Best mobile phones of 2006

During the course of 2006, better cameras were built into handsets, fashion phones battled it out on the catwalk, GPS and Wi-Fi integration became common, and advances in mobile networks saw faster downloads for content.

During the course of 2006, better cameras were built into handsets, fashion phones battled it out on the catwalk, GPS and Wi-Fi integration became common, and advances in mobile networks saw faster downloads for content.

Camera phones pushed into the 3-megapixel space with Sony Ericsson and Nokia both launching 3G handsets that took good-quality snaps. The K800i edged in front of N73 in our eyes in terms of picture quality and ease-of-use, but we loved Nokia's integration with Flickr for uploading photos.

While LG introduced the innovative Chocolate phone, it's the company's clever marketing strategy -- to call a handset something that's instantly recognisable -- which is being imitated by others. Arguably though, Motorola got there first with the iconic RAZR, which continues to be popular in all the iterations we've seen this year.

Windows Mobile devices tried their best to steal some of the enterprise market from RIM, with the introduction of push e-mail, but the BlackBerry maker retaliated with the 3G-capbable 8707 and the Pearl, the first consumer-oriented BlackBerry that features a built-in camera, expandable memory and multimedia playback. HTC-owned Dopod entered the Australian market as a cheap smartphone alternative, and we quickly learned that the parent company is no longer going to manufacture devices for HP and i-mate.

On the network side, Telstra took the limelight by launching Next G, a 3G network which operates in the 850MHz band that was HSPDA-enabled at launch, and will replace its soon-to-be-phased-out CDMA network. Vodafone switched its 3G network to HSDPA a day later, while 3 is slowly catching up with a nationwide rollout expected to be complete by March 2007. Optus, meanwhile, seems to be twiddling its thumbs.

We're heading to Las Vegas in January for a massive consumer electronics show, CES 2007, where Motorola and other mobile manufacturers are expected to make some big announcements. But with Apple rumour sites in full swing discussing the possible launch of the iPod phone, it could be the MacWorld expo in San Francisco where we'll see the biggest phone launch of 2007. Stay tuned to CNET.com.au over the following weeks as we report from both shows.

Best camera phone of 2006

The Sony Ericsson K800i outshines all other camera phones in term of features and user-friendly design. Aside from a few squabbles with the extra bulk, the K800i makes it easy for first-time 3G users and is an ideal companion for anyone wanting to take happy-snaps on-the-go.

Most innovative design

While Motorola's RAZR still manages to trigger ultra-thin fashion clones, LG has moved in a different direction with the Chocolate KG800, an understated and stylish mobile phone with a beguiling design twist.

Phone most likely to be the next big thing

With consumer-friendly mobile email, instant messaging, SMS and even Web browsing, and a deal that gives you almost unlimited data for $1 per day, Telstra's hiptop 2 looks set to become BlackBerry for teens and twentysomethings -- it could even topple an iPod as the hottest thing under the Christmas tree this year.

Phone that came closest to being an "iPod Killer"

An excellent phone with plenty of storage space for photos. The camera is above average for a mobile phone, as are the supplied headphones. While there is no need for W800i users to upgrade to this model, the W810i offers an impressive feature set for those considering the purchase.

Best BlackBerry

Consumers that have already been lured by the BlackBerry's popular email functions will love the new-look Pearl, but may be disappointed when comparing it to other high-end consumer devices with 2-megapixel cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Mobile phone readers had the most problems with

Provided you're willing to compromise a bit of pocket space, the Nokia 6280 has a range of multimedia applications and a dazzling big, bright screen. We'd like to have seen better camera performance, but as far as capturing video goes, it's hard to beat this phone at the moment in terms of quality.

Most anticipated phone for 2007

It's hard to pigeonhole Nokia's flaship multimedia device, the N95, as a mobile phone. Due in January 2007, it combines a quadband handset (with support for 3G and HSDPA networks) with a GPS navigator and mapping application, 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi connectivity, a Web browser and a whole lot more.